Amazing Things You Never Imagined Were True About Horseradish

You might think that horseradish is only that spicy condiment that you love to slather on your sandwiches, but horseradish actually has a multitude of health benefits that go along with that spicy, pungent taste.

Horseradish is a perennial plant, and is not really a radish at all but rather is related to cabbage, mustard, and other types of cruciferous vegetables. Although horseradish has long been used to treat a wide variety of illnesses, perhaps one of the best uses comes from some new research that shows that horseradish has some strong anti-cancer effects. Keep reading and find out all the unbelievable things that horseradish can do for you.

1. Anti-Cancer Benefits

Of all the things horseradish can do, this is perhaps the most astounding. Glucosinolates are powerful cancer fighting compounds and horseradish is simply loaded with them. It’s true that other cruciferous veggies have these compounds, such as Brussel sprouts, cabbage, and broccoli, but they have nothing on horseradish. In fact, horseradish has 10 times the amount of glucosinolates that broccoli does! The University of Illinois recently conducted a study that showed that the large amount of glucosinolates in horseradish can actually increase a human’s resistance to cancer cells.

Glucosinolates increase the liver’s ability to remove carcinogens and suppress the growth of existing tumors. Veggies and plants containing glucosinolates and their derivatives, such as horseradish, help protect us from colon and rectal cancer. They also improve the activity of several types of enzymes that the liver uses in detoxifying the body, according to Cornell University’s Department of Animal Science. Read more about vegetables with anti-cancer activity.

2. Stops Pain

If you have achy muscles, joint pain, or a headache, then horseradish might be the rescue you are looking for. Horseradish has a natural compound that provides some powerful pain relief. Make your own pain relieving rub by mixing a few drops of horseradish oil into some coconut oil or olive oil and using this as a massage oil. You will feel the heat within just a few minutes and then feel the pain simply melt away.